A New Chapter in Microsoft’s Cloud Transition Journey – Starting January 1, 2026, Microsoft will officially launch the “Bridge to Cloud 3” (BTC3) promotion – the latest evolution of its structured programs designed to help existing Dynamics on-premises Customers transition smoothly to the cloud.
For organizations running legacy versions such as Dynamics NAV, GP, AX, SL, or CRM, this promotion provides a financially attractive and operationally flexible path to migrate to the Dynamics 365 cloud platform.
Let’s break down what BTC3 offers, how it differs from its predecessors, and why it matters.
What Is Bridge to Cloud 3 (BTC3)?
BTC3 is a three-year, non-cancellable promotion that provides a 30% discount on most Dynamics 365 online licenses purchased through a partner-led New Commerce Experience (NCE) subscription.
This program is specifically designed for customers who currently hold Dynamics on-premises perpetual licenses and are ready to migrate to their cloud equivalents such as:
- Dynamics 365 Business Central
- Dynamics 365 Finance & Supply Chain Management
- Dynamics 365 Sales, Customer Service, or Field Service
Promotion Highlights
Category | Details |
Discount | 30% off standard commercial list price |
Term | Fixed 3-year non-cancellable term |
Enrollment Window | January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2027 |
Eligible Customers | Dynamics on-premises perpetual license holders (purchased before Sept 1, 2024) |
Eligible Channels | Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) – NCE Partner-led only |
Renewal After Term | Renews at standard price post-promotion |
Dual Access Rights | Continue using and upgrading your on-premises system during migration |
Dual Use Rights | Run equivalent on-premises versions while on the cloud license |
EP Extension | Enhancement Plan (EP) renewal at $0 cost during the promotional term |
Key Benefits for Customers
1. Substantial Cost Savings
With 30% off cloud licenses for three years, BTC3 makes it easier for businesses to budget and plan long-term. This predictable pricing gives organizations time to complete their migration roadmap without financial strain.
2. Continued On-Premises Flexibility
Customers retain Dual Access Rights, meaning they can continue using their on-premises systems – including updates, expansions, and upgrades – while deploying Dynamics 365 online. This reduces operational risk during transition.
3. Free Enhancement Plan Renewal
Once enrolled, customers’ Enhancement Plan (EP) renewals are extended at no cost for up to three years, allowing continued support and updates for their existing system while migrating to the cloud.
4. 50% Discount on On-Premises Users (Transitional Phase)
Until December 31, 2027, BTC3 participants can purchase additional on-premises user licenses at a 50% discount, supporting teams that need short-term capacity increases during migration.
5. $0 User Licenses (for Business Central Migrations)
For customers migrating from concurrent user based systems (like Dynamics NAV or GP) to Business Central Online, Microsoft offers up to two years of free user licenses (subject to eligibility based on their EP value).
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for BTC3:
- The customer must have purchased their Dynamics on-premises perpetual license before September 1, 2024.
- They must have an active Enhancement Plan (EP) or pay lapsed fees (capped at 3 years or 1 year for older NAV/AX/GP versions).
- They must purchase Dynamics 365 online licenses through a partner-led NCE CSP channel.
- The annualized CSP value (after discount but before partner margin) must be equal to or greater than their current annual EP renewal amount.
- The customer must maintain that CSP value throughout the 3-year promotional term.
Partner and Licensing Details
- Partner Margin: Standard CSP margins apply (no margin on $0 users).
- Billing Options: Annual, monthly, or triennial billing available — all tied to the fixed 3-year term.
- Compliance: Partners are responsible for ensuring customers maintain licensing requirements.
- Geographic Availability: Only available in regions where the eligible Dynamics 365 online products are sold under CSP NCE.
BTC3 vs. BTC2 – What’s Changed?
Feature | Bridge to Cloud 2 | Bridge to Cloud 3 |
Discount | 40% | 30% |
$0 User Benefit Duration | 3 years | 2 years |
Program Term | 3 years | 3 years |
Signup Period | Ended Dec 2024 | Jan 2026 – Dec 2027 |
Eligible Channel | CSP (NCE) | CSP (NCE Partner-led only) |
Bottom line: BTC3 continues Microsoft’s incentive-driven cloud journey – but with more refined controls, ensuring customers and partners fully commit to migration within a fixed period.
The Bigger Picture – Why Microsoft Is Doing This
Microsoft’s Bridge to Cloud series isn’t just a promotion – it’s a strategic migration accelerator.
By gradually phasing out on-premises dependencies, Microsoft aims to move its Dynamics ecosystem fully into the cloud-first, AI-powered landscape, unlocking:
- Unified data management across business functions
- AI-driven insights through Copilot and Power Platform integration
- Modern scalability with Azure-backed infrastructure
- Continuous feature updates without manual upgrades
BTC3 is thus not only a pricing incentive – it’s a migration bridge to modernization.
Action Plan for Customers
- Assess Eligibility – Confirm that your Dynamics on-premises licenses qualify.
- Calculate EP Value – Determine your current EP cost to understand your Minimum CSP Value.
- Plan Migration Roadmap – Align your business and IT teams with a clear timeline.
- Partner with a CSP Expert – Work with a certified Microsoft partner to structure your BTC3 enrollment and manage both EP and CSP compliance.
- Leverage Dual Access – Continue using your on-premises system while gradually transitioning to Dynamics 365 online.
Conclusion
Microsoft’s Bridge to Cloud 3 is more than a discount – it’s a commitment to help customers evolve from legacy systems to intelligent, connected business platforms.
For organizations running Dynamics NAV, GP, AX, SL, or CRM, this is a limited-time opportunity to embrace the cloud with financial and operational assurance.
With the right partner guidance, BTC3 can transform what was once a complex migration into a strategic leap forward.
Need Help Transitioning to the Cloud?
At Madhda Inc, we’ve helped numerous Dynamics NAV and GP customers successfully move to Business Central Cloud leveraging Microsoft’s Bridge to Cloud programs.
We can help you evaluate eligibility, calculate costs, and design a step-by-step migration plan under BTC3 – ensuring a seamless and optimized move to the Dynamics 365 ecosystem.
Contact us today to explore your migration roadmap.
Would you like me to tailor this article for Business Central-specific customers (e.g., NAV/GP users), making it more targeted for your website audience? That version would focus more on Business Central benefits, $0 users, and the migration process.